Battery Grip 350d - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/19/2007 06:55:54 PM · #1

Just want to know what people think of this grip. Is it really that good? Is it one of those things that after you purchase it you think 'should have bought this ages ago'.

Like the idea for portrait shooting but don't mind the camera without the grip (haven't had one so don't know what I'm missing either).

What are your thoughts.

Much appreciated.

Mr_Pants

SiPix Blink

04/19/2007 07:03:01 PM · #2

I take at least 90% of my photos in portrait orientation. I had a grip on my 300D and liked it a lot. I liked the convenience of it, rather than any effect it might have had on balancing the camera. I didn't have a grip on my 20D and I must say that I didn't truly find the lack of a battery grip to be really limiting in any way. To sum up, I feel that one is a good thing to have, on the whole, but not necessarily the be-all and end-all.

Sorry, I'm not helping, am I?

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

04/19/2007 07:04:37 PM · #3

Well

1 - If you need a vertical grip, yes its really that good it doesnt get any worse or better.

2 - As long as it has a place for 1 or 2 battery's, Remote, Extra Card and has a shutter button on it...... its a grip lol.

But for some people the grip can provide a steadier handle then overhand.

04/19/2007 08:17:47 PM · #4

bump

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/19/2007 10:18:13 PM · #5

A few more thoughts on this would be nice.

Thanks

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

04/19/2007 10:22:41 PM · #6

Originally posted by RamblinR:

A few more thoughts on this would be nice.

Thanks

I wish i could say more. The battery girps i have are ancient and for 35mm camera's. But as i said before their a simple simple concept.

Do this. Go to a store. Literally and i would leave it at that but i will explain.

Before you ever buy a new lens, a battery grip, anything. Go to a store test it out. Now while you migth not be able to pull a battery grip out of a box dont fret. Find a display model with a battery grip. Find a pro camera that has a built in vertical grip just play with it.

WOuld extra power help your shooting, do you have issues keeping your horizon even, ther grip doesnt help with shaking for most people but it will help you use the natural orientaion of your hand to help keep the horizon level.

The answers are all in your head. If you cant find them you need to test them, hit up a store even if you dont shop there a good salesmen will let you touch whatever they can allow you to.

Canon EOS-20D

04/19/2007 10:23:01 PM · #7

I have the grip on my 20D. Pluses are the portrait-orientation button and, when it's cold out, the increased battery power. I don't shoot marathon weddings sessions or anything so when it's not dreadfully cold, I don't really need additional battery.

Downsides are that it does add some weight to the camera and it can be slightly more of a pain to fit in certain bags/covers.

If you don't mind the lack of portrait button and you don't need multitudes of battery power, you probably don't really need a grip.

04/19/2007 11:00:48 PM · #8

Rainmotorsports

How do you 'test' a lens in the shop. You don't get to view things on a screen to see sharpness etc (well not a my store anyway) so what things should I look for when checking out a lens.

mobster

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

04/19/2007 11:31:36 PM · #9

You can always take a few shots in the store then go home and look at them on the computer, or better yet, if you have a laptop take it to the store with you.

Valdo

Canon EOS-40D

04/19/2007 11:52:59 PM · #10

Hi I just bought the battery grip for the 400D (which is the same that you need) and I have to say I am very happy with it.

For me it wasn't the extra power but the portrait orientation buttons and to make the camera feel a bit more robust, I have very long fingers. For me it is great that it works with one or two extra batteries, you don't have to use both at the same time if you don't want to. Battery life with or without the grip is about the same, which is nice.

So, if you don't mind the extra weight and you have the extra space in your bag, go for it!!

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/19/2007 11:55:20 PM · #11

Ok. Thanks to all for the input. I would love a grip for portrait orientation but not interested in more weight and don't have a problem with batteries so I think I will give it a miss at this time.

I will be testing lenses when on holiday in America so will not be able to take anything home and check/view images as I will not have a facility to do so. If there is a problem with canon I am covered by an international warranty but not sure about other brands at this time.

Thanks all

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

04/20/2007 07:56:43 AM · #12

Originally posted by mobster:

You can always take a few shots in the store then go home and look at them on the computer, or better yet, if you have a laptop take it to the store with you.

Pretty much, and for the most part i dont buy from the stores i check stuff at. Not that i have really got to sit down and test dSLR lense.

I did walk into a ritz camera and get my hand son eevry display dSLR they had though. Does it annoy them? Yeah. But if they want to make a sale theyll do what they have to.

Ill goto circuit city or best buy try somethingout then go buy it online cheaper.

cheekymunky

Canon EOS-40D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

04/20/2007 08:09:08 AM · #13

I have a grip on the 350D. I got a 'cheap' opteka copy and really wish now that I shelled out for the official one. Definitely better for portrait shots and even for landscape orientated shots, where I find it more comfortable to hold due to the extra height it gives the 350D (my pinky always rests underneath the body otherwise - which I find uncomfortable). Using two batteries also helps when on long trips or doing astro-stuff.

But if I want to travel light, and just throw the 350D and one lens in my bag, I usually take it off.

Hope that helps!

pix-al

Canon EOS-5D

04/20/2007 08:13:09 AM · #14

I got the grip and it never leaves my camera.

MUCH more comfortable to hold in both orentations plus the extra juice from 2 batteries is awesome.

I'm going to be buying a 30D soon - a grip for that is top of the extra's list!

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/20/2007 09:54:56 AM · #15

In my opinion it's a required accessory along with the hand strap.

Foolish Ice

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

04/20/2007 08:36:30 PM · #16

I have one as well and it hasn't left my camera since I first put it on. It does add some extra weight to the camera but I find the extra weight keeps it more stable for hand held shots. I also like being able to use AA batteries in a emergency.

01/10/2008 03:35:29 AM · #17

I just got this Opteka Grip for my Rebel, and it has some sort of connection flaw I wonder if anyone knows how to fix or work around it. You know the one shows your full batteries half or gone. One or two batteries don't matter, still the same. I think pin problem, not touching good enough, but any other ideas?

Tez

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

01/10/2008 04:36:19 AM · #18

I have the BG-E3 on my 400d (that rhymes) and I have to say it's a great addition. I found the camera a bit small without it honestly and after it was on I was suprised i'd lived without it for so long.

It also makes the camera more stable to hold I find because of the added stability that the extra weight bringsn so handheld shots at say 1/10 have a much higher success rate than before. Also, it makes your camera look cooler and the battery power is doubled.

What's to lose?

01/10/2008 05:16:44 AM · #19

I have no objection to the grip. it is AWSOME and I think everyone should have one for their XT. My problem is the batter is draining, or seems like drained with on off switch. I think Opteka has flaw in assembly line that they don't know or know and ignore, or something else, but I am going to return this to get Canon brand with double the price. Oh well, at least I tried. and I tried everything to fix it, cleaned pins with cotton and alcohol, rubber eraser... didn't work, went down again.

I still have the grip, will return it probably Friday (today is Thursday), if anyone knows how to fix this problem, please let me know now :)

FP

01/10/2008 05:34:28 AM · #20

UPDATE:

Those who have the same problem like I did, try to clean the none-gold connectors on the grip that goes into the camera. The pins on top, gold, they don't have problems but it seems like the metal ones (power connectors) on side of the leg looks like have dirty layer on them when you purchase it. It did seem like cleaned up, shiny and nicely, with rubber eraser (make sure you have the clean eraser) and now no draining. I knew this would be something easy as cleaning a connector, just didn't know which one :P since there are many in there.

So, my fix for that problem was to clean the power connector on the grip (sideways on the leg goes into the camera) and this should fix it. Don't use alcohol, use rubber eraser and fast strokes should get rid of the layer for you :)

FP

UPDATE 2:

I am not sure now if it is the connector. It was working fine, I tested a few times and then I noticed I forgot to put the original battery cover from the camera into rest slot on the grip. So I took it off, put the cover to rest slot and closed it back, it looked like drained again. So, it must be connector or not, I don't know what it is yet. So, I think I am standing by with my decision to return this and get Canon unless if I find a real fix somehow :P

Message edited by author 2008-01-10 09:06:12.

01/10/2008 06:22:46 PM · #21

I got the Canon battery grip which actually works great... I also am returning the Sigma 28-70 Lens, it does give blurry images.... Some of them feels like taken through steamed lenses. I just don't understand, some of those lenses, cheap ones, are taking worse pictures than PS cameras, and they still make'em and sell'em (to people like me, who refuses to believe reviews...)

FP

01/10/2008 08:48:44 PM · #22

I set down and actually tested three lenses I have (I have one more, but it starts from 70 mm so i didn't test that one, and I know it's a good lens -Sigma 70-300 APO DG) and my conclusion is kit lens 18-55 is the best lens (in three) that I have :( besides Canon 50 mm 1.8 II having smaller f-stop, if kit lens would have 1.8 or 2.8 f stop, it would probably worth $1,000 not $100.

Here they are. and get your own conclusion. I urge you to look at the blue blurry areas on the edges. They all are ISO 200, 50 mm (or very close to 50 mm) same lights and same everything else taken with wireless remote and AF mode. I think f-stop is bit larger on 55 mm but still.

FP

Message edited by author 2008-01-10 20:56:58.

SamDoe1

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

01/11/2008 01:29:32 AM · #23

I love mine, one of the best things I ever got for the camera. It feels so much better to hold in any orientation and gives the extra battery life. The 350D feels so awkward with the grip taken off now that I have one.

Tez

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

01/11/2008 04:18:59 AM · #24

Also, it means if if the camera is on a tripod and the batteries run out, you can change them just by pulling out the little tray thing and you can keep the camera mounted in the right position.